Mayor Ras Baraka signs a sweeping executive order affecting the Port Authority of NY and NJ

With the stroke of pen, Mayor Ras J. Baraka has taken decisive action by signing into law an Executive Order designed to maximize the city’s lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It calls for an audit, a process that is already in the works, to ensure the city receives its fair share of rent payments and other financial benefits under the lease agreement with the bi-state agency. Other provisions of this comprehensive plan include the creation of the City of Newark Office of Port Authority Oversight to examine all capital projects affecting Newark and to help increase job opportunities. It also seeks at least a $15 minimum wage per hour with benefits for employees, including Newark airport workers. The long-term agreement also includes a provision to periodically reexamine gross revenues received by the Port Authority from Newark Liberty International Airport and Port Newark.